By Hilary Tam
The arctic, a region abundant in natural resources and of geographical importance in both trade and warfare, has become subject to intense debate as to what it should be best used for. In the wake of the Russo-Ukrainian war, the standoff between Russia and NATO member states over the militarization of the arctic has become more heated than ever.
After Russia’s GSL speech, in which the delegate condemned aggressive NATO expansion and the exclusion of Russia from the Arctic council, a flurry of raising placards swept across the room: the UK demanded a fact check, insisting on Russia’s previous inclusion in the Arctic council, and Norway used Russia’s military parade in 2022 as an example of Russia’s infringement of her sovereignty. Russia’s superpower ally, China, was faced with similar scrutiny, with Poland bringing in militarization’s harms to the Arctic environment: China maintained her stance as a strong opponent of militarization, and advocated for multilateral negotiations with Russia and NATO.
The US then took the podium as the first NATO country to give a GSL speech. Arguing that demilitarization is inherently impossible due to Russia’s struggle for hegemonic power and its implications for regional security, she instead advocated for cooperation with the indigenous peoples.
Belarus and Norway, although in opposing blocs, proceeded to raise a magnifying glass to NATO’s own policy: alongside Russia’s militarization, NATO itself had also doubled its military presence in the Arctic such as in the gulf of Finland, prompting the two delegates to argue that both sides must end the toxic cycle.
On the topic of environmental preservation, Poland emphasized the importance of conserving the Arctic’s precious materials, and increasing collaborative efforts to innovate and research there. To quote the delegate, “the best mediator of conflict is the Arctic’s indigenous community” – shifting the focus back onto the interests of the local population. This is followed by a charged speech by the Representative of the Indigenous Peoples' Organizations, in which the delegate pleaded with all members to prioritize their safety and wellbeing.
After more riveting speeches, the council moved into an unmoderated caucus, to last till the session’s end –with a collective sigh of relief, the delegates began to gather in groups. Russia and her 3 allies congregated swiftly, while the swarm of remaining countries entered into a brief crisis upon being told to split into two blocs (the USA: “ALL NATO GUYS, GET BEHIND ME!”).
The caucus progressed till the end of the first break– voices grew louder, the resolution Google docs became longer, and unlikely alliances formed. Although the final decision on militarization is presently unknown, one thing is clear: even on the freezing, unfamiliar terrain of the Arctic, delegates are able to join hands and forge diplomacy within dialogue.
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